The Holland connection for independent films returns as Hope College's Knickerbocker Theatre presents six films as part of the annual summer film series.

The series opens with Academy-award winner, "Nowhere in Africa," running Friday-Saturday, July 18-19, and Monday-Thursday, July 21-24, with showings at 6:45 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. "Nowhere in Africa" tells the story of a Jewish German family that escapes Nazi Germany by moving to a farm in rural Africa. The film is not rated, and is in German and Swahili with English subtitles.

"The Man Without A Past" runs Monday-Saturday, July 28-Aug. 2, and Monday-Thursday, Aug. 4-7, with showings at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. When an unnamed man is mugged in the train station, he is brought to the hospital and pronounced dead. Suddenly, he awakens from his coma, and although unable to remember anything about his past he leaves the hospital determined to make a difference in the community around him. The film is a gently told story, equally balancing dignity, humor, and a touch of melancholy into a quirky, romantic comedy. The film is rated PG-13 and is in Finnish with English subtitles.

The third film is the series, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not...," runs Friday-Saturday, Aug. 8-9, and Monday-Thursday, Aug. 11-14, with showings at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Starring French ingénue Audrey Tautou, the film is a romantic thriller with a daring and unexpected twist on the classic love story. Rated PG-13, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not..." is in French with English subtitles.

"Rivers and Tides," a film about an artist who is wholly absorbed in the moment, runs Friday-Saturday, Aug. 15-16, and Monday-Thursday, Aug. 18-21, with showings at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Andy Goldsworthy only uses natural elements in the construction of his sculptures, and he builds them where they can be affected by the natural world around them. The film offers a look at the natural world through the eyes of a man who sees it like no one else. The film is not rated, and is in English.

"Blind Spot: Hitler's Secretary," which has been receiving great critical acclaim, runs Monday-Saturday, Aug. 25-30, with showings at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. "Blind Spot" centers around Traudl Junge, who become Hitler's personal secretary. After nearly 60 years of silence, this softly spoken elderly woman provides a riveting look at the rise and collapse of Nazi Germany. This fascinating glimpse into history is also a glimpse into a person's struggle for self- forgiveness. The film is rated PG, and is in German with English subtitles.

For its final film, the series welcomes back to West Michigan "Winged Migration," showing Monday-Saturday, Sept. 1-6, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. This documentary received rave reviews at the 2003 Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, and has something for every member of the family. "Winged Migration" is dedicated to birds and their movements according to the seasons. It took more than four years to complete the film, which was filmed on all seven continents.

The Knickerbocker Theatre is located at 86 E. 8th St. in downtown Holland. Updated information about films and other events at the theatre may be obtained by calling the Knickerbocker Theatre Information Line at (616) 395- 7403. Tickets for the film series are $4 for students and seniors, and $5 for regular adult admission, and will be available at the door.